The newly ordained Bishop and General Overseer of the United Church of Christ (UCC), Apostle John Chimaobi Egbo, has been charged to sustain and expand the enduring legacy of the church’s founder, the late Apostle Samuel U. Egbo, following his ordination and enthronement.
The charge came from the Executive Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Mayor Sunny Afurobi, during a thanksgiving service held in honour of Bishop Egbo at the General Headquarters of the United Church of Christ, located at No. 12/14 Obioma Street, Enugu, on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
The colourful and spiritually uplifting event drew ministers of the gospel, church members, family members, friends, and well-wishers from far and near, who gathered in large numbers to celebrate the emergence of Apostle John Chimaobi Egbo as Bishop and General Overseer of the church.
Delivering his goodwill message during the service, Mayor Afurobi congratulated Bishop Egbo on his successful enthronement and urged him to build on the solid foundation laid by the church’s founder, the late Apostle Samuel U. Egbo.
He noted that it was incumbent upon the new Bishop to ensure that the founder’s visions and aspirations for the church are fully realised.
Reflecting on the life and impact of the church founder, Mayor Afurobi recalled that while growing up, Apostle Samuel U. Egbo was a source of pride to the people of Isuochi, describing him as a respected religious leader and a shining example of dedication to God’s work.
He noted that the late cleric was among the pioneer sons of Isuochi who established a Pentecostal church that became one of the leading churches of its time.
According to the Mayor, the enduring legacies left behind by Apostle Egbo inspired many young people to aspire to greatness and service to humanity, and prayed for the continued repose of his soul.
Speaking further, Mayor Afurobi emphasised that leadership is about inspiring, motivating, guiding, and creating a pathway for growth and development, stressing that these qualities were evident in the life and ministry of the late Apostle Samuel U. Egbo.
He reminded the new General Overseer, who is the first son of the church founder, that the responsibility before him is enormous, including inspiring younger generations to embrace the Christian faith and live transparent and exemplary lives.
Mayor Afurobi stressed that Bishop Egbo had been chosen by God for a divine purpose and encouraged him to lead with wisdom, honesty, humility, and integrity, and noted that to whom much is given, much is expected, adding that these virtues remain essential qualities of a good shepherd.
While calling on members of the church to work in unity and support the leadership of the church for greater progress, the Mayor urged the church to pursue the realisation of the founder’s outstanding visions, including the revitalisation of the Theological College at Amuda and the completion of other unfinished projects.
Mayor Afurobi further advocated the construction of a state-of-the-art Church Cathedral in Isuochi to better serve the growing congregation and the wider Christian community.
Addressing issues of national development and civic responsibility, the Mayor encouraged church members to actively participate in the democratic process by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and supporting credible leaders during elections.
He maintained that the church has a vital role to play in promoting good governance and restoring integrity in the political space.
He also expressed concern over the persistence of “sit-tight” politics in some quarters and called on citizens, particularly the younger generation, to prepare themselves for leadership roles.
Mayor Afurobi commended the developmental strides of Governor Alex Otti in Abia State and urged eligible voters to obtain their PVCs in support of merit, accountability, and quality service delivery in governance.
Responding, Bishop John Chimaobi Egbo expressed profound appreciation to Mayor Sunny Afurobi for honouring the occasion despite his busy scheduleCC and thanked the Mayor for his goodwill, support, and valuable counsel, describing his observations and suggestions as thoughtful and timely.
The Bishop disclosed that part of his vision and mission is to raise one billion souls for Christ through his Kingdom Enlargement Campaign, pledging to embrace the challenges outlined by the Mayor and called on ministers and church members to support him in advancing the church’s mission and impacting lives positively.
Highlights of the event included a thanksgiving service by the Bishop and his family, the anointing of the congregation, and special prayers for the church, the community, and the nation.
